The Lagos State Government has officially broken its silence regarding the viral claims made by TikTok sensation, Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller. The 20-year-old influencer had earlier taken to social media to allege that he received a staggering N36 million tax bill from the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), sparking widespread debate and outrage online.
Reacting to the controversy, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tax and Revenue, Abdulkabir Ogungbo, addressed the matter on Tuesday, clarifying that the LIRS functions as an independent body charged with the responsibility of assessing, issuing, and collecting taxes on behalf of the Lagos State Government. According to him, while the uproar surrounding Peller’s case is understood, taxation is a civic duty binding on all residents who earn legitimate income within the state.
Peller, who rose to prominence in 2024 after his comedic skits and collaborations with popular celebrities gained traction on TikTok, lamented during a viral livestream with singer Peruzzi that the demand for him to pay N36 million in tax was both shocking and unfair. He insisted that he had only recently started making a name for himself and did not possess such resources. His frustration was evident as he questioned why the government would impose such a heavy tax on him without having contributed to his rise or supported his craft in any way.
“The task force said I should pay N36m in tax. I swear to Almighty Allah, I don’t have anything. I only came into the limelight last year. Why should I pay N36m? Why will the government take money from me when it has never given me anything, not even TikTok support?” he lamented passionately during the livestream.
In response, Ogungbo emphasized that the matter would be looked into carefully, promising to review the specific details of Peller’s case. However, he stressed that the principle of taxation is clear and firmly rooted in law. “Anybody who earns legitimately is required by Section 24 of the Nigerian Constitution to declare their income honestly and pay tax. So while the context of the size and quantum of this particular case needs to be properly investigated, the principle remains that anyone earning must remit taxes,” he explained.
The Special Adviser further shed light on how the government has now extended tax reforms to cover digital creators, influencers, and those engaged in virtual earnings. He noted that income generated through online platforms, digital assets, or virtual transactions still falls under the tax obligations of Lagos residents. “Irrespective of whether you earn physically or virtually, once you reside in Lagos and benefit from the state’s infrastructure, you are expected to pay tax here, unless you can prove you are paying to another jurisdiction,” Ogungbo stated. He added that individuals living abroad but earning virtually would need to show proof of paying taxes elsewhere to be exempt from Lagos State’s jurisdiction.
He went on to clarify that although he personally did not have Peller’s case directly before him at the time of the interview, the LIRS remains the authorized and competent body to handle such assessments. “I do not have this particular case on my table for me to determine. Because we have a body (the LIRS) that is autonomous and that is very efficient in what they do. So let me investigate and revert to you,” Ogungbo said, indicating his willingness to consult further with the agency.
Ogungbo also reassured Lagosians that the state government is not on a witch-hunt against content creators or entertainers but simply implementing the law fairly. He explained that once anyone begins to earn an income within Lagos, they are expected to fulfill their civic duty by contributing to the state’s development through tax payments. This, he said, ensures that public infrastructure, social amenities, and government services can continue to function effectively.
Meanwhile, the LIRS itself has yet to release an official statement addressing Peller’s grievances or providing clarity on how the figure of N36 million was arrived at. Attempts by journalists to reach the Head of Corporate Communications at LIRS, Monsurat Amasa, on both Monday and Tuesday were unsuccessful, as calls and messages reportedly went unanswered. The silence from the agency has further fueled public curiosity and debate on social media platforms, with many Nigerians questioning the fairness and transparency of the system.
For now, the case remains under review as both the Lagos State Government and the LIRS are expected to provide more detailed explanations. Until then, Peller’s claim continues to dominate online conversations, shining a spotlight on the broader conversation around taxation for digital creators, influencers, and young entrepreneurs operating in Nigeria’s evolving digital economy.